Interim Chief of Staff

The hiring organization has chosen to publish this listing anonymously to maintain confidentiality during the hiring process. They have provided Idealist with all of their organization’s details and currently meet our posting guidelines.

OVERVIEW

A high-impact, newly formed Black-led social enterprise is seeking an experienced, mission-aligned Interim Executive Team Member to support its visionary CEO and executive team during a pivotal phase of launch and growth. Operating at the intersection of racial justice, economic transformation, and community ownership, this initiative is backed by national partners and rooted in a bold vision to challenge the status quo.

This interim role (3–4 months) is designed for a dynamic strategist and implementer who can help architect the systems, culture, and infrastructure of a game-changing organization—and then help identify and onboard their long-term successor.

THE ROLE

As Interim Executive Team Member, you will be the driving force behind our evolution. You won’t simply manage projects—you will fuel innovation, build internal alignment, and act as a critical thought partner to executive leadership. You will lead complex, cross-functional efforts, guide team development, and ensure operational excellence while championing the mission at every level.

You will also take the lead on identifying and onboarding your permanent replacement, helping to ensure a seamless leadership transition that sets the organization up for sustained success.

SCOPE OF WORK

Strategic and Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate closely with the CEO to drive strategy, vision, and day-to-day alignment across teams.
• Refine the business plan and support the development of the annual budget.
• Lead organization-wide systems design and implementation, including project management infrastructure.
• Identify and close operational gaps in early-stage structures and workflows.

Operations & Finance

• Supervise finance and accounting functions, including coordination with external bookkeepers, monthly close, and preparation of financial reports for board and leadership.
• Approve payroll and invoices; ensure sound fiscal practices.
• Oversee compliance and risk management, in coordination with legal counsel.

Board Engagement

• Work in partnership with Board consultant in preparing board books and board documents, including proposing recommendations on board policy

Human Resources & Talent

• Lead recruitment and onboarding of staff, especially the permanent Chief of Staff
• Review and implement employee and contractor policies; make benefits recommendations.

Communications & External Engagement

• Work with the communications team to refine branding, vision statement, and media strategy.
• Prepare decks, talking points, and materials for CEO speaking engagements and external partnerships.
• Build relationships across the broader ecosystem and engage with aligned community leaders and peers.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Individual consultant or consulting firm with experience in interim executive leadership roles, particularly in early-stage or high-growth mission-driven organizations.
• Proven experience in financial management and nonprofit budgeting.
• Background in real estate development or community-driven infrastructure is highly desirable.
• Minimum 5+ years in leadership roles involving team oversight, cross-functional coordination, and strategic planning.
• Sharp systems thinker with the ability to execute under pressure and manage multiple streams of work simultaneously.
• Deep commitment to justice, equity, and community-rooted change.

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS

• Duration: 3 to 4 months
• Location: Remote, with potential travel as needed
• Start Date: Early August

APPLICATION PROCESS

To apply, please submit the following:

1. A proposal outlining your approach, relevant experience, and any key personnel (include resumes if applicable).
2. A brief narrative explaining why this opportunity aligns with your personal mission, and how you envision partnering with leadership to ensure a successful interim period and smooth onboarding of the permanent Chief of Staff.
3. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and strongly encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. As a Black-led organization, we are deeply committed to equity, inclusion.